Chris Weidman is the popular former UFC middleweight champion who ended the long UFC unbeaten streak of the legendary Anderson Silva. He dropped his title in his last fight to Luke Rockhold, and he now returns looking to earn a shot at that title against Michael Bisping.

The 13-1 New York native has long been targeted for the UFC’s Madison Square Garden debut. Yoel Romero is a former Olympic silver medalist in wrestling. He has explosive knockout power, freakish athleticism and a 12-1 MMA record.

Weidman vs Romero Full Fight Replay

Chris Weidman sits in the octagon after being knocked out by Yoel Romero, background, during a middleweight fight at UFC 205. (Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Round 1. Weidman starts out with a leg kick. Weidman is much more active early, throwing some shots to establish range. Romero is mostly just measuring Weidman. Weidman goes for a takedown and briefly gets it but Romero gets right back up and separates. Weidman attacks the body with some kicks and goes for a takedown, but it is blocked and Romero lands a hard punch on separation. Weidman goes for another takedown, but it is blocked again and Romero throws a few punches before breaking. Weidman goes for yet another takedown. He has Romero briefly down, but Romero is back up quickly. Romero looks for a kimura late but doesn’t come close. 10-9 Weidman.

Round 2. Weidman has another takedown attempt stuffed. Romero is negating Weidman’s offense, but he needs to do something himself. Romero throws a few straight punches and blocks another takedown attempt. Romero lands a hard body kick, but Weidman catches it and uses the leverage to set up a head kick of his own. Romero shoots for a takedown, but Weidman blocks it. Romero goes for it again and slams Weidman down. Weidman gets up quickly. Romero gets him down a second time, but Weidman pops up again. Romero gets a third takedown, and this time plants Weidman on his back. Romero lands some punches from the top as the round concludes. 10-9 Romero.

Round 3. Romero catches Weidman with a flying knee that knocks Weidman to the ground. He lands additional punches on the ground and that is it.

Winner: Romero, TKO, round 3.

Romero’s combination of power and athleticism is scary to deal with. He silenced the crowd in Weidman’s hometown and now has set himself up for a title shot. Joe Rogan announced in the Octagon that he will be getting the next shot against Bisping and that is going to be a dangerous challenge for the British champ. Bisping was shown on the screen, and he gave Romero the finger. Romero responded saying that he loves Bisping.